Pope and Experts Warn AI Could Erode Faith and Human Connections

Religious leaders and mental health experts have raised concerns about the growing influence of artificial intelligence on faith and human behaviour. Recent warnings highlight how AI could disrupt relationships Pope Leo XIV recently warned that AI systems may harm human connections and reduce cognitive, emotional, and communication abilities. His concerns were echoed by therapist Sean Tobin, who noted that over-reliance on AI could weaken people’s ability to think critically and make independent decisions. Despite these risks, Tobin remains optimistic, pointing to reports of more people joining the Catholic Church.

Auxiliary Bishop Cesare Di Pietro of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela added that social media and AI can create the false impression of freedom from God. Meanwhile, some users have begun interpreting chatbot errors as supernatural messages, believing AI systems might be linked to hidden spiritual forces or demons. Beatrice Ugolini, an adjunct lecturer at the University of Bologna, warned that certain online communities now use AI for magical rituals and spiritual experiments. Catholic exorcists and occultism experts have also observed a rise in AI-assisted divination and worship. The International Association of Exorcists reported an increase in cases tied to occult activities and Satanism, prompting calls for dioceses to train more exorcists. Pope Francis previously cautioned against replacing real human and spiritual relationships with digital dependence. Experts agree that AI chatbots and online occult groups are creating new risks, including spiritual confusion, isolation, and potential demonic influence.

The Catholic Church continues to monitor AI’s impact on faith and mental well-being. Religious leaders stress the need for discernment, while exorcists prepare for rising occult-related cases. The warnings highlight a growing challenge: balancing technology with spiritual and emotional health.